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Chapter 150: Right of Succession to the Throne

Arto Kingdom Royal Capital, Alraine Castle

~First Prince Fernando’s Perspective~

I was born as the first prince of the Arto Kingdom. A lot of things have happened in my life so far, but it was generally smooth sailing. I would become the king of this country, that was the future which was promised to me. I believed and never doubted it.

Of course, I knew about the nobles who always referred to me simply as the “First Prince” and said I was “naive and incompetent” behind my back. However, the evaluation of others did not even contribute to casting a shadow of doubt in my mind. Once I become the king, they will have no choice but to bow before me.

I have two younger brothers and a younger sister. Among them, the second son, Ruzark, is a smart man. Not only did he achieve excellent grades during his school days that were unprecedented even among the successive generations of royal families, but he also taught himself how to create magic tools which only a limited number of individuals can do. In addition, he has a gentle atmosphere and charisma that naturally make those around him an ally, as well as skillful art of conversation. He is what you would call a genius.

It was clear that Ruzark had the qualities of a king more than I did. It’s been rumored for years, and I was aware of it.

But that did not matter. I was born several years earlier. None of his exceptional talents, qualities, and efforts were enough to threaten my future.

……I thought so. Until the Ranking Battle and before Ibrudia’s invasion, that was.

Now I have lost everything.

The corruption of the nobles who supported me and the fact that Bride was connected with the demons came to light. On the other hand, Ruzark not only minimized the damage with brilliant skill against the invasion of the Ibrudia Empire, which had 10 military weapons called air battleships, but also brought about a substantial victory.

Within the Arto Kingdom, it seemed as if it had already been decided that Ruzark would become the next king. And my father, the current king, has also clearly stated that the next king would be Ruzark. At this year’s meeting of the Council of Seven Sphin Nations, Ruzark is not attending as the “representative of the king”, but rather as the “next king”.

——Am I fine with my life continuing like this…?

The future I envisioned has crumbled, and restoration is no longer possible.

However, as long as I continue to move as a harmless existence under Ruzark, I will probably be able to continue living a rich life as a member of the royal family until my death.

I can spend my free time in the room I’m given, eat a sumptuous but bland meal, and poop and sleep at set times. I will continue to live like that for decades…

——Am I really fine with that?

To live acting like an idiot while being scorned by others as “incompetent”… Can that really be called “living”?

Absolutely not! My pride, this burning hatred, this jealousy, will never tolerate such a life!

——So what should I do?

There’s only one thing left. Start a “revolution” in this country.

I have nothing left anymore. But that is exactly what my weapon is! I’m not afraid of losing anything. Not even my life!

The nobles who supported me have all fallen. They aren’t the kind of people who can endure watching their assets dwindle or losing their position to others. They will certainly struggle to seize glory again. I shall take advantage of that.

By assuring them that there is a chance for them to regain their glory by cooperating with me, they will definitely take my hand. I didn’t act like their puppet for years for nothing. I understand exactly what they are thinking.

Ruzark wouldn’t even care about me… He had let his guard down since way back.

He simply didn’t even look at me as the first prince!

I haven’t done anything in my life yet. I haven’t accomplished anything….

I’m not going to let it end like this! I don’t want to live like a corpse! Don’t underestimate me, Ruzark… I am the one who deserves to be the king of the Arto Kingdom!

I no longer have the luxury to choose. I will use any cruel and outrageous method to become king. I will even put my life on the line.

As long as I become the king, I don’t care!

But for now, let’s pretend to be a fool, stay under the radar, and accumulate power… Everything needs to be prepared without anyone noticing. This is a once-in-a-lifetime gamble, and even a speck of failure is unforgivable. However, the revolution will succeed the moment the preparations are complete.

Someday, this world will know that Fernando Arto is the man who stands at the top of the Arto Kingdom!